VC and GRP Partner Mark Suster had a fantastic piece in TechCrunch on what it’s like to be an entrepreneur and how it isn’t for the feint of heart.
While I suggest reading it in its entirety, there were two parts that resonated with me. First was his list of qualities/attribute entrepreneurs should have. Here’s the list:
– Not very status oriented
– Doesn’t follow rules very well and questions authority
– Can handle high degrees of ambiguity or uncertainty
– Can handle rejection, being told “no†often and yet still have the confidence in your idea
– Very decisive. A bias toward making decisions – even when only right 70% of the time – moving forward & correcting what doesn’t work
– A high level of confidence in your own ideas and ability to execute
– Not highly susceptible to stress
– Have a high risk tolerance
– Not scared or ashamed of failure
– Can handle long hours, travel, lack of sleep and the trade-offs of having less time for hobbies & other stuff
The other part that struck me was his description of the highs and lows of the startup life, from getting that first round of funding to losing one of your top VPs and a big contract in the same week. We romanticize the startup life here in Silicon Valley, but the truth is that it’s hell, and if you aren’t prepared to walk through fire for your startup, then don’t do it.
This is a great perspective. I really admire entrepreneurs, as they make our country great and provide opportunities for other people. But, I think it’s important for prospective entrepreneurs to have a realistic understanding of the lifestyle and what it will require. There is no shame in working for someone else and having a steady paycheck. Thanks for sharing, Ben!
Many people assume when you have a great idea, it magically becomes reality, but with most situations, there’s a lot of people that along the path that will question you, say you’re crazy or even push you to go back to “normal.”
If you are someone who follows the rules to the letter and has a low tolerance for pain, stress or your own closest friends from using words like “nuts” to describe you, then pursuing a startup or passion or dream may not be so easy.
You really need to think different, have a vision beyond what others can see and be willing to go through the hard part of seeing it through. It takes time and something a lot people don’t have these days…patience.
However, whether its time, finding the pieces to the puzzle, meeting the right people or even some luck, nothing is impossible if you try, work hard and keep the goal in mind. You’ll be at peace for trying your best than to not try at all.
Follow your dreams. Live your passion.
Many people assume when you have a great idea, it magically becomes reality, but with most situations, there’s a lot of people that along the path that will question you, say you’re crazy or even push you to go back to “normal.”
If you are someone who follows the rules to the letter and has a low tolerance for pain, stress or your own closest friends from using words like “nuts” to describe you, then pursuing a startup or passion or dream may not be so easy.
You really need to think different, have a vision beyond what others can see and be willing to go through the hard part of seeing it through. It takes time and something a lot people don’t have these days…patience.
However, whether its time, finding the pieces to the puzzle, meeting the right people or even some luck, nothing is impossible if you try, work hard and keep the goal in mind. You’ll be at peace for trying your best than to not try at all.
Follow your dreams. Live your passion.
It’s “faint”of heart, not “feint” which means a daring move.